Atenolol Alone or in Combination With Low Dose Prazosin or Hydralazine Is effective treatment for essential hypertension

In a retrospective study, 275 patients, aged 21-66 years, with mild to moderate hypertension received atenolol 50mg once or twice daily alone or in combination with titrated doses of hydralazine or prazosin for ;?:: 1 year.

In newly-diagnosed patients (n = 155) supine BP fell from 156/98 to 138/82, 163/102 to 136/86 and 183/ 111 to 146/88mm Hg in patients aged < 40, 40-59 and > 60 years, respectively. In previously-treated patients (n = 109) BP fell from 145/96 to 130/88, 152/99 to 139/87 and 166/101 to 151/87 in the respective age groups. 46% of newly-diagnosed and 27% of previously-treated patients had adequate BP control on atenolol monotherapy. Bradycardia, dizziness, cold feet, fatigue and insomnia were the most frequent adverse effects. Hysing 8, Olson S. Current Therapeutic Research 40: 255-259. Aug 1986